Meet Pastor Darryl Mattner
Where is your work with the FRM and what do you do?
My work is in the Anmatjere and Alyawarr region. The area is about three hours north-west, three hours north and about four hours north-east from Alice Springs.
As a Support Worker, I believe my role is to…
Find new men and mentor them to be pastors. Train these new men and also the existing pastors though bush courses, mini courses and one to one
teaching. Sustain existing pastors by supporting and encouraging them to be a pastor to their people in their community
Tell us about your family.
Married to Sonia. Two children Caitlin (17) and Ryan (15). Toby our dog completes the family. Caitlin has remained in Adelaide to complete Year 12.
What is your favourite AFL team?
West Coast Eagles
What are your hobbies?
Playing sport – particularly hockey, reading, travelling, watching movies.
Where were you born? Tell us a bit about your background.
I was born in Balaklava (SA) and had moved three times in SA by the time I was five. My family then moved to Narrogin (WA) and we stayed there for 15 years until my various jobs moved me all over Australia and overseas.
What languages do you speak? What languages would you like to speak?
English. I would like to learn Anmatjere.
When and why did you become a Pastor?
I was nearing the end of nine years in the Air Force and felt God calling me to do something different. I looked at other jobs/careers but didn’t find any peace. It was only when I thought about being a Pastor I found the peace that I was looking for. The rest, they say, is history.
What’s the best thing about being a Pastor?
Being the agent of God’s wonderful mysterious gifts and blessings.
What’s the worst thing about being a Pastor?
Maybe that some people think that as ‘the Pastor’ I have all the answers. Sadly, that is not the case.
What other jobs have you done in the past?
Tyre Fitter with Beaurepaires
RAAF Communications Operator
Pastor at Grampians Lutheran Parish, Victoria
Military and Industrial Chaplain
What is your favourite Bible verse?
Psalm 139
Short story about your installation day!
I was installed on Sunday, 18 January 2015 at a small community called Pmara Jutunta (aka ‘Six Mile’), which is about 190km north of Alice Springs. Local Pastor Jimmy Haines led the service and Pastor Rob Borgas installed me in the presence of my family, other Lutherans from Alice Springs, plus about 60 locals. It was a very special and memorable day that I will remember for many years to come. I am deeply honoured and privileged to be a Support Worker for FRM and pray that I can faithfully support the pastors and people in the Anmatjere and Alyawarr area.
